Over the last several days, I have met with many state employees, public school teachers and union leaders. I met with Frances Steenbergen and want to keep the lines of communications open.

As Governor however, it would be inappropriate to negotiate if they choose to promote an illegal strike.

No illegal strike or other organized job action can be justified. I am concerned and compassionate about the impact of health insurance costs on all state employees and teachers. An illegal strike or work stoppage would be harmful to our children.

What makes this situation even more frustrating is that the problem of escalating health care costs has been neglected for so long by previous administrations.

I want teachers and teacher unions to work with my administration toward the goal of parity of teacher compensation with the surrounding states—a goal which I share with the members of the teaching profession.